Historical Route

AXUM

The Ethiopian epic, the Kibre Negest (Glory of the Kings) tells us that Menelik I, the son of the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon, brought the original Ark of the Covenant from Jerusalem to Axum and thereby established one of the world’s longest known and uninterrupted monarchical dynasties.Impressive ruins, monuments and archaeological artifacts abound in and around Axum attesting to the solid, articulate, confident, literate and resourceful strength of this civilization. Axum’s most popular known insignia art is its mysterious monolithic stelae made of single pieces of granite with identical decorations. The biggest of them, now fallen is 33 meters high and weighs 500 tones, making it the largest monolith in the world.

YEHA

Some 55 km east of Axum, this is the most important pre-Axumite site and perhaps Ethiopia’s oldest capital. The 5th century BC Temple at Yeha, displaying incredible skills in stonework, is the oldest building still standing in Ethiopia.

DEBRE DAMO MONASTERY

Situated atop a 3,000m-high amba (tableland), and accessible only with the aid of a leather rope operated by the monks, the founder Abune Aregawi - one of the nine holy men who immigrated from Syria - was carried up the 15 m-high cliff by a flying serpent, so the legend goes. Built in the 6th century, Debre Damo is the oldest monastery in Ethiopia while its stone Church is said to be the oldest still standing. The monastery is off limit to females.

NEGASH

This village is the site of the first Muslem settlement granted to Islamic refugees by the king of Axum at the time of Mohammed in 7th century AD. The present day mosque is said to stand on the site of the original, also dating back to the 7th century. The shrine has great significance to Ethiopian Muslims and is the focus of an annual pilgrimage and festival.

Genete Mariam

Genete Mariam is one of the most interesting outlying churches, a large monolith carved into a pink-tinged outcrop near the source of the Tekaze River. Supported by pillars, the church is very different from any of the excavation in Lalibela that it is not hidden within a trench, but carved openly on a rocky hilltop – though the cover of scaffolding rather detracts from the impact of seeing from afar according to tradition Genata Mariam was excavated during the reign of Yakuno Amlak, the king who 'restored' the Solomonic line in the early 13th century.

Yimrehanna Kristos

Yimrehanna Kristos Lying 42KM northeast of Lalibela,Yimrehanna Kristos it is an exquisite Church, a masterpiece of Axumite wood and stone construction and renowned for its interior decoration, it’s beautiful wooden coffer ceiling inlaid with hexagons and medallions with both figurative and geometric motifs.

Naakute Le'Abe

Naakute Le’Abe King Nakuto abdicated his throne in 1270 AD and went to a cave to lead a hermit's life. This cave has ever since became a monastery and has dramatic setting.

Asheten Mariam

Asheten Mariam A 13th C. rock hewn monastery found about 8 kms from Lalibela lying on an altitude of almost 4,000m. It is carved out of a cleft into a cliff face. The setting of the church and the view on the way up is a rewarding experience.

Arbatu Ensessa

Arbatu Enssessa An old church detached from the surrounding rock on two sides. The pillars and doors mimicking the Axumite design. It is dedicated to the four beasts, symbol of the four evangelists who followed Kidus Yohanesss.

Bilbala Giorgis

Bilbala Giorgis Found 30 km North West of Lalibela ,this church is excavated only in the front and is often surrounded by a swarm of supposedly sacred bees. Powder made from crushed rocks near is believed to be a valuable skin treatment. Bilbala Cherqos A semi-monolithic church properly orientated and has been worked from a piece tuff from east to west. It is architecturally reminiscent of the facade of Bet Gabriel-Rufa’el and the admirable murals depicting saints and the Evangelists in the interior are of particular interest to the visitor.

Historical Route

About us

Welcome to Ethiopia- an ancient wonderland with rich cultural traditions, architectural remains, natural beauty and enormously hospitable people. Ethiopia has a history of over 3,000 years, which has been preserved in a remarkable manner. Only in Ethiopia will you find yourself dramatically transported back in time through the participation in sacred rituals of an archaic faith.